"Inmate"

[Muriel]

I have a birth certificate from 1907. The child, Isabella, is illegitimate but the certificate is signed by both parents. Isabella was born at 46 Kelvin Street, which was in the Milton registration district. I'm not sure which of the several Kelvin Streets this is.

Her parents are given as Thomas McVey, shoemaker and Margaret Sorbie, underclothing cutter. However when they sign the certificate, under Thomas's signature is the word "inmate". I suppose my question is - what kind of inmate is he likely to have been - sanitorium or gaol? If I have a right man (I'm going by his signature on the certificate & comparing it with that on an earlier child's certificate as well as his employment as given on Isabellas m.c & d.c) he is safely ensconsed with his family in Henrietta Street, Camlachie in 1901. In 1911 there is no sign of Thomas but his wife describes herself as married & there is a four-year old Isa with the other children at 170 Dalmarnock Road. So it looks as if Thomas not only acknowledged paternity but that Isabella was brought up with his family. Margaret has disappeared without trace - at least as an underclothing cutter.

Any suggestions?

Muriel

[Tracey]

Hello Muriel

I think the term *inmate* could also apply to someone in the Poorhouse. Maybe worth a look ?

[AndrewP]

Hi Muriel,

Inmate can also be similar to the modern day term flatmate - they were living together unmarried. My feeling is that is the meaning in this instance.

All the best,

AndrewP

[Tracey]

Also i think i have seen a resident of a Model Lodging House called an Inmate but i may be wrong - which has reminded me that the one my gt grandfather stayed in in Glasgow is now a hotel i want to visit

[nelmit]

Hi Muriel,

Inmate can also be similar to the modern day term flatmate - they were living together unmarried. My feeling is that is the meaning in this instance.

All the best,

AndrewP

Yes, I've seen quite a few of those.

I've also seen a son registering his mother's death at the home address and calling himself 'inmate'.

Regards,
Annette

[Muriel]

Thanks for the replies - I hadn't thought of the Poorhouse. I'll have a look sometime when I'm in Glasgow. I just wish I could find Thomas in 1911, there doesn't seem to be a Thomas McVey (any spelling) in the country at all but he died in 1933 in Glasgow at the same address as he was in 1891. Oh well, one of those mysteries.

Muriel

[rosie]

Hi

Kelvin Street in the Milton registration district is most likely to be the Kelvin St (of North Woodside Road ) which was the Cowcaddens area. I have few ancestors in that area.The street name changed post 1940 to Balnain st C4.
I would agree with Andrews post. I have birth certs were the child was illegitimate and the parents are not living together. If the fathers address is different from the child and mother it is generaly recorded on the birth cert. If there is no other address for isabella's father it is most likely that mother and father reside at the same address.
Hope this helps Rosie